Cell Structure and Function
By Lori Armstrong
Course
BIO 111 (Introduction to Biology)
Description
This module will introduce the student to the structures of both prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells as well as the function of eukaryotic cell organelles. Diagrams with
descriptions, labeling exercises, and a multiple-choice quiz at the end of the module will
test the students' knowledge and understanding of the material. Each student will
purchase a copy of the CD-ROM (Essential Study Partner for Biology, 7th ed., by Sylvia
Mader; ISBN 0-07-238274-0) in addition to text and lab manual.
Transferability
This module could be used in many life science courses. Organelle structure and function
is taught in introductory biology courses and reviewed in more advanced classes. While
this module is based on a CD-ROM available through my textbook publisher (Text:
Inquiry into Life, 9th ed., by Sylvia Mader; Publisher: McGraw-Hill Higher Education),
many texts have similar CD-ROMS available, and this module could be adapted to meet
the instructor's specific needs.
Faculty Technology Skill
Faculty should have basic computer skills. This includes being able to install CD-ROM
onto hard drive (Essential Study Partner and QuickTime for Windows) by following
instructions provided with CD-ROM or onscreen during installation process. Use of this
CD-ROM and module involves mostly pointing and clicking. A tutorial is available in the
Help menu that describes function of icons, navigation aids, and use of study partner.
Student Technology Skill
Technology skill requirements are the same as that of faculty.
Faculty Equipment
A computer with CD-ROM drive and a copy of the CD-ROM are required.
Student Equipment
Students need a computer with CD-ROM drive, a copy of Essential Study Partner CDROM, and a printer. Though not required for this module, there is a link to textbook
website available, which would require Internet access for students to use.
Cost
The CD-ROM will cost approximately $15.00 per student.
Improvement on Teaching and Learning
For students, learning cell structure and function can be both boring and difficult to
conceptualize. By including labeling exercises and a summary quiz, students get to
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participate in an interactive learning process, which I think they will find beneficial and
more enjoyable. It will also enable them to visualize what they have been presented in
lecture over the subject.
Nontechnology Comparison
This subject of cell structure and function can be both dry and boring, and students tend
to fall asleep during videos on the subject. I like that this module gets the student more
involved in the learning process, and I think it will reinforce material that has been
presented in lecture.
How to Use in Classroom
I envision this to be used as an assignment that students complete on their own, outside
the classroom. While it is not absolutely necessary for students to print the labeled
diagrams to turn in to their instructor, this is included to ensure that the students actually
complete the module. Points could be given for successful completion of the module
(including printouts of five labeled diagrams
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Essential Study Partner (ESP) for Biology 7/e by Sylvia Mader
Cell Structure and Function
By Lori Armstrong
1. Install the CD-ROM onto the hard drive of the computer following the instructions
provided. If you are using a computer in a lab, get permission before installing the
CD-ROM. Once you have installed both the Essential Study Partner and QuickTime
for Windows, you may begin this module by clicking on "Start," then "Programs."
Click on "Biology 7e Mader ESP" then "Start ESP."
2. The ESP includes seven units (on two CD-ROMS): (1) Cells, (2) Genetics, (3)
Evolution, (4) Ecology, (5) Diversity, (6) Plants, and (7) Animals. There is a "Help"
button on the bottom right corner of the page. Click on the word "Help," and run
through the tutorial will help you understand the icons and navigation aids.
3. To begin the "Cell Structure and Function" module, Click on the "Cells" icon. The
topics covered in this unit include chemistry, cell structures, cell membrane,
metabolism, respiration, and photosynthesis. This module will focus solely on cell
structures, so click on "Cell Structures" to get started. This unit includes topics on
surface area to volume ratio, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, endomembrane system, energy
organelles, cytoskeleton, summary, and quiz.
4. Click on "surface to volume." Read over the discussion of how surface area to
volume ratio limits cell size. Then, click on "f" (bottom left corner) to see how
greater organism complexity and size can be achieved and increase in the number,
rather than size, of cells.
5. Click on "Prokaryotes" or "f" to continue. The first illustration is of a nonphotosynthetic bacterium. This also includes a labeling activity. To complete this
activity, click on the name of a cell structure, and drag it to the black line pointing at
the correct structure. If you try to label a structure incorrectly, the name will move
back to the right-hand column so you can try again. Once you have completed this
activity, click on "Print" (in lower right-hand corner) to print a copy to turn in to your
instructor.
6. Click on "f" to move on to "Photosynthetic Bacterium." Label this diagram as you
did previously, and then print a copy of this labeled diagram as well. Click on "f" to
see how the flagellum, found in some prokaryotes, is used for locomotion.
7. Now you are ready to move on to "Eukaryotic Cells." Click on "Eukaryotes" under
"Cell Structures" to proceed. You are introduced to a typical eukaryote animal cell
and its numerous specialized organelles. Click on "f" to see the components of a
typical plant cell. As you can see, eukaryotic cells are much more complex than
prokaryotic cells, and are therefore, generally larger in size to accommodate their
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organelles. The remainder of this module will concentrate on further investigation of
eukaryotic cells.
8. Now click on "Endomembrane" to proceed. Read about the organelles that make up
the endomembrane system and how they work together to receive materials entering
the cell and process and package substances exiting the cell. Click on "f"; this will
take you to an exercise to label the parts of the endomembrane system you've just
learned about. Print this page after you've completed the labeling exercise; you will
turn this in to your instructor.
9. Click on "Energy Organelles" or "f" to continue. Review the structure and function of
both chloroplasts and mitochondria. Click "f"; this page illustrates how chloroplasts
use energy to create carbohydrates during photosynthesis and how mitochondria then
convert this energy to ATP, carbon dioxide, and water (cellular respiration). Since
plants have both chloroplasts and mitochondria, they are able to carry out both
processes, while animals are capable of only carrying out cellular respiration.
10. Click on "f." This shows a simplified explanation of the Endosymbiont Theory.
Scientists believe that both chloroplasts and mitochondria originated from free-living
prokaryotes that were engulfed by other cells and were able to function inside this
cell. The presence of DNA within these two organelles provides compelling evidence
of their previous ability to function as independent cells.
11. Click on "f" to move on to cytoskeleton and its components (microfilaments,
microtubules, and intermediate filaments.) Click "f" to see how the cytoskeleton is
involved in movement of cilia and flagella.
12. Click "f" to proceed to summary. As part of summary, you will label the organelles
of an animal cell and plant cell, and match the six organelles and their functions.
Complete each of these exercises and print a copy of each page to turn in to your
instructor.
13. After completion of summary exercises, click on "Quiz" to test your knowledge of the
material you have just reviewed. After you have answered a question correctly, click
"f" to proceed to next question. If you answer a question incorrectly, you may click
on "Review Topic" to refresh your memory and help you find the correct answer, or
you may try again by clicking on another answer.
14. After you complete the quiz, you are finished with the module on cell structure. Turn
in the printed pages to your instructor by specified date. This module should improve
your understanding of both the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well
as the functions of eukaryotic cell organelles.
15. To exit program, double click leaf icon; then click on "exit" and "yes."
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